2021 Pott Wine – Incubo

This a real blockbuster Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has a distinct purity with deftly textured tannins formed from the ancient sandstone soils. The layers here are intense and stay with you for ages. There is a very small percentage of Cabernet Franc that lifts the mid palate and brightens the complex aromatics with blue fruits and cedar cigar box.

Incubo began as a tiny, 12 case cuvee that Aaron made from the 1/2-acre vineyard that was already planted on their property in 2004. The name derives from a mythical creature supposed to guard a hoard of treasure. The dragon symbol is in fact the signature of a medieval painter named Lucas Cranach, who often depicted wine and merry making in his work. Aaron and Claire visited a gallery full of his paintings while in Germany in 2004 for the World Cup, which is where they got the inspiration.

“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Incubo is brilliant juice, offering a deep purple hue as well as a killer bouquet of creme de cassis, tobacco leaf, spring flowers, and damp earth/underbrush-like nuances. I love it’s complexity, and this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness a layered, elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. Blended with just a splash of Cabernet Franc, drink this classy, impeccably made Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon over the coming two decades (drink between 2024-2044).”

95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck, Feb. 2024

2022 Pott Wine – Napa Valley

Aaron specializes in small-lot, single-vineyard wines which means he is exceptionaly picky about what goes into those bottles. He wants typicity and wines that will marry perfectly together for excellent ageing. Every year, a couple of the barrels don’t quite fit the bill. They are equally classy, just not as classical.

So, Pott has created a “second” wine that is better than the top wine made by most producers in California. The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is made with grapes that comprise the complexity of 33 different soil types, the intensity of the mountain vineyards and the silkiness and the pleasure of the valley floor. It’s your drink-now, goes-with-everything bottle of great Napa Cab.

“The Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is a terrific introduction to the Cabernets in this range. Sweet spice and floral notes lend tons of vibrancy. Medium in body and racy, with tons of immediacy, the 2021 will drink will with minimal cellaring. Drink between 2023-2031.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous Dec. 2023 (2021 vintage)